Hackney Foster Carers' Council

Thinking About Fostering

Considering fostering in Hackney?

Here's the route to approval, what to expect, and where HFCC fits - with signposting to the people who assess and approve carers.

Who approves foster carers

Approval is handled by Hackney Council's fostering team, not HFCC. HFCC supports existing carers and can share peer experience, but we do not assess, approve, or place children.

The route at a glance

  1. Find out more - contact Hackney Council's fostering team to express interest.
  2. Initial enquiry & information - the Council shares what fostering involves and the types of care needed.
  3. Assessment - a social worker assesses you and your household over several months.
  4. Panel & approval - your assessment goes to a fostering panel for a recommendation and decision.
  5. Approval & support - once approved, you join the team around Hackney's children.

What HFCC can and can't do

  • Can: share peer carer experience, signpost to approved guidance, and welcome approved carers into our community.
  • Can't: assess or approve carers, place children, pay allowances, or act as your fostering agency.

Where to start

For the current process, eligibility and to express interest, contact Hackney Council's fostering team directly via the Council's fostering pages. GOV.UK also provides national information on fostering services.

Contact HFCCAllowances & finances

Sources & review

  • •Hackney Council - Fostering (hackney.gov.uk)
  • •GOV.UK - Fostering services
  • •Become a Foster Parent / CoramBAAF (sector guidance)
  • Reviewed on 19 September 2026.

Always check the original source for the current version. For personal advice, request human support via the Contact page.